Smoke rises after Israeli strike in Lebanon’s Nabatieh area (April 16)

Ceasefire in Lebanon reportedly violated within an hour of taking effect

Less than an hour after the ceasefire officially began, reports emerged accusing violations of the truce. Lebanon’s state news agency NNA said Israeli shelling continued in the southern towns of Khiam and Dibbin.

According to the report, artillery fire was accompanied by machine-gun fire and significant military activity in the area.

NNA also said Israeli surveillance aircraft were heavily active over the western Bekaa Valley, especially near Rashaya and west of Jabal al-Sheikh.

Source: Al Jazeera

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Ceasefire begins after intense fighting between Israel and Hezbollah

A formal ceasefire has come into effect in Lebanon, though the final hour before implementation saw a sharp rise in tensions rather than calm.

Just before the truce started, Israel launched multiple airstrikes across southern Lebanon, with dozens of attacks reported during that hour.

Hezbollah said it continued operations targeting Israeli troops, claiming strikes on positions and military infrastructure inside Lebanon and across the border.

Although there were signs of reduced violence minutes after the ceasefire began, uncertainty remains over how long it can hold.

The Israeli military said it struck 380 Hezbollah targets over the previous 24 hours.

In Beirut, fireworks and gunfire were heard before and after the ceasefire. Many displaced residents were still spending the night on streets near the coast.

Some residents said they were eager to return home despite the risks. Hezbollah, however, urged people not to go back until the situation is fully stable.

Source: Al Jazeera

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Iran calls for Lebanon to be included in broader ceasefire deal, Pakistan voices support

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Lebanon must be included in any comprehensive ceasefire agreement. He made the remarks during a meeting in Tehran with Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir.

Ghalibaf described Lebanon as an essential part of any regional ceasefire and said Iran is working to strengthen peace and ties with neighboring countries, particularly Pakistan.

Munir also met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, though no official statement has been released regarding that meeting.

Ghalibaf said Iran remains committed to peace but accused the United States of failing to honor commitments and slowing diplomatic progress. He added that mediators must play an effective role in implementing any truce covering all conflict zones.

Munir said Pakistan has been working to prevent instability along Iran’s border since the conflict began. He added that he recognizes the importance of a ceasefire in Lebanon and would continue monitoring developments.

He also said Islamabad would maintain diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions and preserving regional stability.